Christian Concern:

 

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Watch MP David Burrowes argue for a referendum on same sex 'marriage' (10m 12s) >

 

Marriage Devastation 

The House of Commons may be on the verge of devastating marriage by 'redefining it' - a move that would have huge consequences for future generations and change the shape of society.

Now is the time to speak and to pray. In God's grace the Bill could still be defeated.

Next Monday and Tuesday will see the critical Report Stage and Third Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill. If voted through it is expected to go to the House of Lords in early June. We face a crucial six weeks.

Please contact your MP (even if you have done so before) urging them to vote no next week and / or to back a referendum on marriage. Enter your postcode here, click on your MP's name and you will be given their contact details

When MPs hear from constituents like you, it can make a real difference.

If this issue will affect how you vote at the next general election, please say so (especially if it means you won't vote for them).

Here are some points you can use in urging them to vote against the Bill:

• Referendum: People have never been given the opportunity to vote on this. It has big social and constitutional consequences yet it wasn't in any of the major parties' manifestos or the coalition agreement and the consultation was a sham. MPs should back a referendum if there is to be any possibility of change in this area.

• Deafness: The Government has ignored the many concerns raised by MPs during the Second Reading and Committee stages of the Bill, failing to introduce appropriate amendments or abandon the Bill.  

• Hostility: This Bill would destroy a common understanding of marriage and set up two rival understandings of marriage. It's the beginning of hostility rather than the end because people will be penalised despite the protections that the Government claims.

• Honesty:  This Bill pretends that homosexual and heterosexual relationships are the same when they are not. The problems with trying to define consummation and adultery for same sex couples in the Bill demonstrate this.

• Children:  This Bill breaks the link with children (not all married couples have children but all children have a biological mother and father - marriage reflects this reality). God's pattern for marriage and family is the best for adults, children and society. 

• Unpopular: A recent ComRes poll shows that this policy is unpopular. Amongst those eligible to vote in this month's local elections, it made:         

• 23% of people less likely to vote Conservative; only 7% of people more likely
• 17% of people less likely to vote Labour; only 6% of people more likely
• 23% of people less likely to vote Liberal Democrat; only 4% of people more likely

Find your MP by clicking here, click on the name and you will be given their contact details.

* Please also come and pray outside Parliament next Monday and Tuesday whilst the Bill is being debated! *

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